Do i need a prescription for pre-natal vitamins? i am trying to conceive and had been advised to start using pre-natal vitamins. can i just get over-the-counter vitamin, or do i need a prescription one? if using over-the-counter is ok, how do i know which

Hello. : Hello. You can purchase prenatal vitamins at a drug store or a grocery store. You don't need a prescription. I don't have a particular brand name to recommend. It might be helpful if you talk to the pharmacist at your drug store if you have questions about which brand to buy. Take care. And good look with having a baby.

You : You should be taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 800 mcg (micrograms) of Folic Acid if you are planning to conceive. This prevents many cases of spina bifida and other neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects. They may also reduce the chance of cleft lip or palate. The minimum amount recommended for women trying to conceive is 400 mcg. In pregnancy it is recommended that you get at least 600 mcg a day (the recommended dietary allowance). Over the counter (otc) prenatals containing 800 mcg of Folic Acid should be fine. Only about 30% of women who might get pregnant are taking Folic Acid supplements. Folate is the 'natural' form of folic acid, found in the diet, but is not as useful as a supplement compared with folic acid, which is more available for your body to use. Prescription prenatals contain 1000 mcg or 1 mg of folic acid, a slightly higher dose. They may be covered by your insurance, if not they can be more expensive. While i think that an otc prenatal is fine, and much better than taking nothing, as a fertility md i prescribe prenatals for my patients. There is no scientific evidence to support otc or prescription. Some prescription prenatals contain stool softeners to reduce constipation from iron, or 'gentler versions' of the iron. Around half of pregnancies are unplanned - as you are planning to conceive start a prenatal now and keep taking it throughout your pregnancy and if you choose to breastfeed. The first trimester (first three months) is the most important time for preventing neural tube defects. If you have side effects with prenatals (feeling sick, bowel problems) try different brands or talk to your ob/gyn. Best wishes trying to conceive.

No: Most (not all) prescription vitamins are actually inferior to what you can get over the counter if you shop wisely. AVOID folic acid. You actually want to take a mix of folinic acid and methylfolate instead. Best information here: http://mthfr.net/prenatal-supplementation-optimizing-your-future-child/2012/01/20/